8 Tips for a user friendly website
Building a new website can be a challenge, so we’ve rounded up our top tips for making sure your website is as user friendly as possible.
(1) Easy Navigation
In the digital world there is nothing worse than landing on a website that is hard to navigate. Using clear, unambiguous page titles ensures that users know where they are and where they want to be.
When planning your site map, make sure that it is concise. No one wants to read through pages and pages of unnecessary jargon. Keep it simple and focused. Don’t be tempted to add extra pages as a means of keyword stuffing; remember, overly repetitive copy = negative effect on SEO.
Providing breadcrumbs lets the user easily travel back and forth through the sub navigation, meaning that they get a better all-round user experience.
(2) Add Search Functionality
A valuable addition to any website is the search function. This enables the user to do a key word search to find the exact page they are looking for. This adds fundamental value to the user experience.
(3) Using the Correct Imagery
Do not underestimate the importance and power of your images. Each page of your website should have its own specific purpose. Select an image that encourages your key message. With this in mind, using overpowering or unrelated imagery can distract the user from what is important.
Don’t crowd the page with imagery, avoid masses of animation on one page and ensure the imagery used relates to the content.
(4) Contact Information
The overall aim of your business website is to add value to your user. In return for this added value, you want your user to contact you, right? Therefore, it is fundamental that your contact information is easy to find and enquiries are easy to submit.
(5) Responsive, Responsive, Responsive
Q. Everyone is raving on about responsive design, but how important is it?
A. Absolutely essential.
More time is spent browsing on a mobile device. Unless you want this traffic to bounce immediately you have to provide the user with information and design that adapts across all devices.
(6) Fast Loading Speed
No one wants wait around for your pages to load. Ensuring that your pages load in no more than 6 seconds is a basic principle which must be adhered to. If you don’t want to wait, your users won’t either. In addition to this, slow loading speeds have a negative effect on SEO - FACT.
(7) NO Broken Links
Simply put, broken links are annoying. No one wants to see the error page. Clean up your website and ensure that when you have linked from other marketing platforms, you don’t break these links. Always test and check all links before you publish you page or send an email campaign.
(8) Make it Visually Appealing
Professional doesn’t have to be boring, but it also doesn’t have to be an eyesore. Striking the right balance will mean that your website user enjoys their time on the site, ultimately meaning that they will stay longer and return in the future.
And there you have it, 8 top tips for a user friendly website. Sounds easy right? Well, not quite. We’re afraid the rest is down to you unless you’d like us to take the weight off of your shoulders.
INCO build responsive, user friendly websites, completely bespoke to your business needs. Whether you’re a service provider, or an e-commerce retailer, we can design websites that will suit you and your audience. Contact us for more info, or call 01902 784 800 for a friendly chat around your needs.
Happy website building.